Total Body Irradiation (TBI)

Understanding TBI

Total Body Irradiation (TBI) is a specialized radiation therapy used as part of the conditioning regimen for bone marrow transplantation. It plays a vital role in the treatment of various diseases, including leukemia, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, autoimmune diseases and certain genetic conditions.

TBI helps to destroy a patient’s bone marrow and tumor cells while suppressing the immune system to prevent rejection of the donor bone marrow transplant.

How TBI Works

TBI often complements a chemotherapy conditioning regimen before a bone marrow transplant, offering additional benefits for specific diseases and clinical needs.

Treatment Process at Stony Brook

• Advanced Equipment: TBI is administered using a 21EX linear accelerator
• Specialized Technique: Radiation is delivered through anterior and posterior fields with patients in a standing upright position to optimize delivery
• Organ Protection: Some critical structures, like lung tissues, can be shielded using lung blocks; electron boosts can be applied to specific areas, such as the chest wall, without exposing healthy surrounding tissue to unnecessary radiation
• Customized Treatment Area: A dedicated large-field irradiation room is used to ensure a safe and effective procedure

Benefits of TBI

• Enhances Bone Marrow Transplants: Prepares patients by eliminating bone marrow and suppressing immune response
• Targets Tumor Cells: Effectively reduces cancerous cells alongside chemotherapy
• Organ-Sparing Techniques: Protects critical organs and minimizes exposure to surrounding tissues.

At Stony Brook’s Department of Radiation Oncology, we use high-precision technologies and specialized treatment rooms to deliver tailored TBI for patients. Our team provides expert care, offering effective conditioning for bone marrow transplantation while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.